BLUF: Trump Targets ActBlue as GOP Alleges Fraud in Democrat Fundraising; DOJ Tasked to Investigate Platform’s Role in Election Integrity Crisis
Resources for this report:
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Protects the Integrity of American Elections
and
Fraud on ActBlue: New Report Details Potential Illegal Activity on the Democrat Platform
ActBlue, the dominant Democratic online fundraising platform, is under intense federal scrutiny, and on Thursday, things got worse for the platform.
Numerous media outlets are reporting that President Trump signed a presidential memorandum Thursday, directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate alleged fraudulent and foreign contributions routed through ActBlue.
“This is about protecting the integrity of U.S. elections,” the memo states. “Bad actors are exploiting online platforms to bypass donation laws.”
According to its website, ActBlue has raised $16.83 billion since 2004. Its donor base is massive—over 14.9 million have ActBlue Express accounts that allow rapid, one-click contributions.
According to the White House fact sheet on this issue, recent congressional probes found 237 suspicious donations from foreign IP addresses using prepaid cards in just a 30-day window.
“This isn’t about small donors. It’s about big fraud using small names,” said Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.), Chair of the House Committee on Administration.
Trump’s memo states “straw donor schemes” — where large sums are broken into smaller donations tied to unwitting individuals — are rampant.
The GOP’s accusations aren’t new. Conservatives have long claimed ActBlue’s system lacks safeguards, especially regarding credit verification and third-party payment platforms like PayPal and Venmo.
The Washington Examiner reported Thursday that ActBlue allegedly permitted untraceable gift card donations, which critics say invites foreign manipulation.
One such case went viral in 2024: Alberta Jones, a widow from Indiana, discovered $1,900 in donations to ActBlue under her deceased husband’s name. “I feel used,” she said in a video recorded by her daughter and shared by James O’Keefe.
“We’re uncovering a pattern,” said O’Keefe, who first reported on the situation. “This isn’t an isolated case. Millions could be involved.”
WATCH O’Keefe’s reporting:
Meanwhile, Democrats argue this is political theater.
ActBlue CEO Regina Wallace-Jones called the investigation “the next version of the big lie.”
“We operate legally and transparently,” she said in a statement to POLITICO. “This is an effort to disempower small-dollar donors who power progressive movements.”
Democrats say the attacks are meant to hobble their grassroots advantage ahead of the 2024 election. “They want to silence you,” read a DNC fundraising email. “If you’ve stored your info with ActBlue, please donate now.”
Kamala Harris, in a March fundraising email, chimed in: “They’re coming after ActBlue because they can’t match our people-powered momentum.”
But recent internal shakeups have fueled concern. According to the New York Times, seven top ActBlue staffers resigned in February, including its top legal officer.
No reason was given.
ActBlue insists its security protocols are robust. A December press release claimed they now reject foreign gift cards and flag high-risk activity.
Still, Republicans aren’t satisfied.
“There’s more work to be done,” said Rep. Steil. “We’ll continue to press for full accountability.”
As of now, the DOJ has not issued a formal statement, but Bondi is expected to report findings directly to the President.
Meanwhile, the ticker at Secure.actblue.com keeps climbing — $16,830,380,566 and counting.
Whether the investigation confirms fraud or reveals political targeting, one thing is clear:
ActBlue remains a lightning rod in America’s digital campaign war.